Chapter 3 It seems like a lie! But it’s true!

Inside the library, the shelves stretched out like a maze of books and knowledge. The characteristic scent of old paper and ink filled the air, bringing a sense of calm. I found a quiet corner and settled into one of the leather armchairs, my mind still boiling with thoughts about my father and his betrayal.

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that it took me a while to notice I wasn't alone. A strange feeling of being watched made me look around. That's when I saw her. Just a few tables away, a girl was sitting, her bright red eyes fixed in my direction.

I know who she is, without a doubt. One of the privileged seven, the Ladies of the prestigious college I was in, coveted by everyone and as unattainable as a distant star. However, I dared not even glance in her direction, fearing to unleash the powers that resided in my eyes.

What should I do now? Back home, my mother and father were entangled in a complicated game of betrayals, a scenario I couldn't even begin to comprehend. My thoughts were in turmoil, becoming increasingly turbulent and confusing.

"Hi. Are you okay?" A melodious and gentle voice interrupted my internal turmoil.

I raised my eyes in surprise and found her. The Lady. She had approached quietly, without me noticing, and now stood by my chair, a look of concern washing over her perfect face.

I swallowed hard, struggling to maintain composure. "I'm fine, thank you for asking," I managed to murmur, though my voice trembled more than I would have liked, betraying the storm raging within me.

She didn't seem convinced. "You don't look well," she retorted, her voice like a soft and concerned melody. "If you need to talk, I'm here to listen." Her statement was delivered with warm sincerity, an offer of shelter in the midst of my storm.

I looked at her in doubt. What did she have to gain from this? I didn't know, but I wasn't going to speak. Before I turned my face away, I felt my eyes ache. The pain was much less than the first two times, indicating that my eyes were getting used to it.

A screen appeared in front of my eyes:

{

Name: Seraphina

Age: 1000 years

Race: Vampire

Likes:

1. Knowledge - Her insatiable curiosity keeps her constantly seeking more knowledge.

2. Sleep - Despite her longevity, she appreciates the moments of rest and rejuvenation that sleep provides.

3. Younger boys - There's something about the youth she finds adorable and intriguing.

4. Classic literature - She's lost count of how many centuries' worth of literature she's consumed.

5. Gentle music - She finds the melody relaxing and soothing, a way to escape the world around her.

6. Quiet nights - The stillness of the night is an invitation for her to reflect and breathe.

Dislikes:

1. Nosy people - She dislikes those who want to know too much, especially about her personal life.

2. Noise - She values silence and peace, and noise disturbs her.

3. Willful ignorance - She has no patience for those who choose to remain ignorant.

4. Disrespect - She values courtesy and respect, and has no time for those who don't.

5. Falseness - She appreciates honesty and sincerity, and has a special aversion to falsehood and deception.

Parents:

1. Maelis - A vampire from an ancient and feared lineage. Her sharp intelligence and diplomatic skills are often used in a manipulative way to ensure the supremacy of her lineage. She has a deep and obsessive love for art and literature, passing on this dark vice to Seraphina.

2. Draven - A vampire of brutal power and indomitable authority. The imposing and fearful aura Draven exudes is the result of centuries of fierce dominance. He instructed Seraphina in the arts of strength and self-assurance, instilling in her the need for power and control.

Siblings:

1. Lucian - The eldest brother, whose leadership is shaped by an almost cruel sense of duty and overwhelming responsibility. His deep respect for Seraphina often manifests as a cold and calculated confrontation.

2. Evangeline - Seraphina's closest sibling in age, whose kindness and love are a mask to hide the pain and sadness she carries. She seeks to maintain peace within the family, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.

3. Raphael - The middle brother, whose joy and humor are a façade to conceal his loneliness and despair. Raphael's complex relationship with Seraphina is marked by moments of laughter and tears, but deep down, they share a dark and inescapable love for each other.

4. Isolde - The youngest sister, always lost in her dark and introspective thoughts. Isolde admires Seraphina intensely, but her silence often conceals a whirlwind of emotions and dark thoughts.

5. Gabriel - The youngest brother, whose wisdom beyond his years results from keen insight into the darkness of the world. He has a special bond with Seraphina, who protects him with a fierceness bordering on obsession.

Thoughts about her siblings:

1. About Lucian: I admire Lucian's leadership, but I detest his obsession with duty and responsibility, which often leads to cruel decisions. I believe my older brother neglects the feelings of others in the name of what he believes is best for everyone.

2. About Evangeline: I have a deep bond with Evangeline, but her constant sacrifice troubles me. I hate the idea of my sister sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of the family. I also resent the fact that Evangeline often avoids conflicts, which, in my view, can lead to unresolved issues.

3. About Raphael: I have a complex love for Raphael, but I disapprove of his tendency to hide his pain through humor. I believe Raphael should confront his feelings of loneliness and despair rather than masking them with laughter.

4. About Isolde: I worry about Isolde and her tendency to get lost in dark thoughts. I despise the fact that Isolde often isolates herself and shuts out the world, and I wish she were more open and communicative about her feelings.

5. About Gabriel: I have a deep love for Gabriel and worry about his dark view of the world. I detest the fact that Gabriel, despite his age, has already experienced so much of the world's darkness. I also resent the fact that my obsessive protection of Gabriel may be preventing him from growing and becoming independent.

"Thoughts about Eugenio: Did his eyes just glow? I'm sure they did...

Emotional state: curious, excited, anticipation.

Alert: because his eyes just glowed... I want to know! }

"Are you okay? Why did you turn away? Is there something wrong with him?" She asked, curious, leaning in to see my face. "I'm fine, don't worry. I'm heading out. Excuse me." I got up, incredulous at what I had seen on her information screen; everything so far had proven to be true. So, she's a vampire! A vampire! What madness is this! Not only did I discover my parents' betrayal, now I know there are vampires! I'm not in the mood for anything; I just want to sleep tonight. I need to go somewhere.

"You

don't look well! Do you need help? I can help if you don't mind!" Seraphina called after me, but I had already left the library. "Did I scare him? No, I don't think so. I think he's embarrassed... Well, it's not surprising. I'm curious, though. Besides seeming to be going through something difficult, from your expression, even if it's not apparent, I saw those eyes glowing. I have no doubts. Eugenio... a boy who doesn't have good grades, isn't handsome, and doesn't have flashy friends. You caught my attention..." Seraphina murmured, looking at the closed door through which Eugenio had exited.

The library door opened again, and a young man with white hair entered. He had red eyes that seemed to shine with an almost supernatural intensity. It was Gabriel - Seraphina's younger brother.

"Seraphina!" Gabriel called out as he walked toward her. He seemed a bit distracted and almost bumped his hand on the table, but Seraphina was quick to grab his wrist.

"Gabriel, be careful. You'll hurt yourself," Seraphina warned, her voice as soft as ever. She let go of Gabriel's wrist and looked at him with a concerned expression.

Gabriel couldn't help but smile. He knew Seraphina very well and knew that she always cared about him, even for the most trivial things. "I'm fine, Seraphina. Thanks."

Seraphina sighed and shook her head. "Can you be more careful next time?" She asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Of course, Seraphina. I promise," Gabriel replied, still smiling. He loved teasing Seraphina, but he also knew that she had a good heart. She always looked out for him, even when he didn't need it.

As they talked, Seraphina couldn't help but think about Eugenio. She was curious about him, especially after seeing him leave the library so hastily. She wondered what he was hiding, and more importantly, why his eyes had glowed like that.

"Gabriel, do you know a boy named Eugenio?" Seraphina asked, trying to sound casual.

Gabriel, who was about to leave the library, stopped and turned to look at Seraphina. "Eugenio? I'm not sure. Why are you asking?"

"Just curiosity," Seraphina replied, shrugging. She knew she couldn't tell Gabriel about her suspicions. Not yet. She needed to find out more about Eugenio on her own.

"Got it," Gabriel said, shrugging. "If I hear anything, I'll let you know."

"Thank you, Gabriel," Seraphina said, watching her brother leave the library. She knew she had a mystery on her hands and was determined to solve it.